This past December, Public Act 287 of 1969 was amended to broaden its scope to include large-scale dog breeders (more than 15 female breeding dogs) and modify current import regulations for these facilities. This law takes effect March 29, 2017, and veterinarians should communicate the following to their clients.

In regard to pet shops, registered animal shelters and large-scale dog breeders...

1. Dogs and cats must be eight weeks of age or older to be brought into Michigan (shelters and breeders may bring in a younger animal, if they are brought in with their mother).
2. Dogs and cats must be eight weeks of age or older to be either offered for sale or actually sold, exchanged or transferred (this does not apply to registered shelters).
3. Before a dog is brought into Michigan, it must be vaccinated against distemper, parvovirus and canine adenovirus-2. Additionally, dogs 12 weeks of age or older must also be vaccinated against rabies and leptospirosis.
4. Before a cat is brought into Michigan, it must be vaccinated against feline panleukopenia, calici viruses, and feline herpes virus-1. Additionally, cats 12 weeks of age or older, must also be vaccinated against rabies.
5. All vaccinations - except rabies - must be administered seven or more days before the cat or dog enters Michigan.
6. If external or internal parasites are identified - including fleas and mites - dogs and cats being brought into Michigan must be treated prior to entry.
7. When a pet shop or large-scale breeder sells, exchanges, transfers or delivers a dog, cat or ferret to a buyer/purchaser a valid pet health certificate must be issued.

Pet Health Certificates:

The pet health certificate is a new form distributed by MDARD under the amendments.

• Animal shelters will not be required to provide a pet health certificate.
• Pet health certificates are valid for 30 days from the date the veterinarian examined the dog, cat or ferret.
• A copy of the certificate is given to the person receiving the animal, and the certificate is retained by the pet store or large-scale breeder.
• A pet health certificate is not the same as a certificate of veterinary inspection. If the animal is being received in another state, it may need a CVI (depending on receiving state’s requirements) in addition to a pet health certificate.
• Pet health certificates do not have to be written by an accredited veterinarian and are used when dogs, cats or ferrets are sold, exchanged, transferred or delivered in-state or out-of-state.

There are also additional requirements for records and annual licensing that will apply to large-scale dog breeders. If you have a client who could potentially be considered a large-scale dog breeder, please encourage them to contact the Animal Industry Division at 800-292-3939. 

MDARD has recently compiled the top ten questions on the veterinary feed directive. Find the answers on the Michigan Farm News. For more information and resources on VFD visit www.michigan.gov/vfd.

The summary for reportable diseases in 2016 is now available, along with the reportable disease list at www.michigan.gov/animaldiseases. As a reminder, if you suspect or confirm any reportable disease, please call 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (emergencies only).